Harmonize Your Life: Conversation on Self-Care for Women of Color

Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson is a trailblazing global media executive, transformational speaker, and multi-best-selling author. Renowned for her visionary leadership, Dr. Cheryl has made a profound impact across industries. As an award-winning filmmaker, she earned an Executive Producer credit and an HBO Max award for the acclaimed documentary, "Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority," and contributed to the powerful film "The Invitation," chronicling the history of The Links, Incorporated.A seasoned speaker and workshop presenter, Dr. Cheryl has captivated audiences at prestigious events like the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit, Hallmark Mahogany Summit, The Potters House, and the National Action Network, to name a few.A prolific writer, Dr. Cheryl has authored 19 best-selling books, such as "The Art of Influence" and "Affirmed: 365 Positive Thoughts & Actions to Start Your Day." As Editor-In-Chief of Cheryl Magazine, she curates a 120-page publication that serves as a love letter to Black women, inspiring them to embrace their power and purpose, for which I and the Harmonize Your Life Women’s Self-Care Retreat was a feature story in the 2025 Spring Issue.Episode Credits:Dr. Toni G. Alvarado, Podcast HostPaula Burch Jackson, PBJ Premier Realty Ricky Howell, Video Production & EditingJohn Alvarado Music & Production AssistanceEnjoli Bland-Reed, Momentum Events Brand & Social Media Content SpecialistAshaki Stinson, Executive Administrative AssistantMichele Johnson, Get Dressed for Life & Social Media Content CreationMUA: Yolanda Stewart

Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a research psychologist, focusing on ethnic minority families, African American adolescent development and health disparities, professor of practical theology and pastoral counseling at Columbia Theological Seminary, author of Too Heavy a Yoke, I Bring the Voices of My People and Sacred Self-Care. Dr. Chanequa is a 2-time breast cancer survivor who empowers women through her life stories, research, writing, healing journey, lifestyle of harmony and sacred self-care.

Chandra Jarrett is an executive leadership coach and consultant with a broad base of experience in automotive engineering, leadership, training, business and non-profit development, president of Joy Consulting Group, and author of How Cancer Saved My Life: (Re) Discovering Life in a Deadly Place. Chandra is a breast cancer survivor and a dynamic speaker who empowers women through her healing journey, life stories and Christian witness in the church and marketplace. 

Dr. Nicole Robertson is an Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Christian Theological Seminary, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Join me with Dr. Robertson as she offers our listeners creative coping strategies that can be employed when psychological distress, grief and seasonal depression is encountered. Dr. Robertson also leads listeners in a deep breathing exercise and shares how deep breathing can be used as a coping strategy for distress, grief and depression, especially during the holidays.

Dr. Jamie Eaddy Chism is a thanatologist, theologian, educator, activist, founder of Thoughtful Transitions. Join me and Dr. Jaime as we discuss how race, class and gender, particularly for black women, impact our expressions and experiences of grief. Dr. Jaime offers us healthy and creative ways to honor the memory of our loved ones during the holidays and throughout the year. Finally, Dr. Jaime shares how she guides her clients through grief by illuminating the paths of possibilities that emerge through loss and the grief services provided at Thoughtful Transitions.

Dr. Felicia Brackett-Owens is a psychologist, therapist, and motivational speaker. After years of building a successful mental health practice, serving in her local church, caring for her husband, children, and extended family, Dr. Owens discovered that her "cup was empty." Listen as we discuss the mindset that supported her behavior and how a journey through the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program gave her strategies for implementing replenishing self-care practices into her daily life and work.

Dr. Felicia Brackett-Owens is a psychologist, therapist, and motivational speaker. After years of building a successful mental health practice, serving in her local church, caring for her husband, children, and extended family, Dr. Owens discovered that her "cup was empty." Listen as we discuss the mindset that supported her behavior and how a journey through the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program gave her strategies for implementing replenishing self-care practices into her daily life and work.

Desireé Young is an ordained minister, life coach, author and speaker. Join me in conversation with Desiree as she shares how she improved her health, lost 20 lbs., and gained the courage to set healthy boundaries through a process of intentional self-care. Listen as Desireé talks about her experience in the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program and the power in choosing yourself.

Rev. Raushanah N. Butler is an ordained itinerate elder, serving at the Cathedral of Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta, GA, where she has been heavily involved in various ministries for the last 24 years. She is presently serving as Minister of Online Engagement, leader of Domestic Violence Awareness Ministry, & the Prison Ministry. Professionally, she is the Director of Alumni Engagement for the Candler School of Theology, where she engages some of the most brilliant & creative minds of theology education & is presently a Doctor of Ministry student focusing on the clergy response to domestic violence. Rev. Butler is also no stranger to community service as she taps into her personal experiences. She spends her spare time as a domestic violence & sexual assault advocate while sitting on the board of directors for several nonprofits in the Metro-Atlanta area, including Tapestry Inc. & Interfaith Children's Movement. Above all, Rev. Butler states that her greatest accomplishment to date is being the proud mother of her daughter, Joy.

Dr. Ryland Gore is a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in breast surgical oncology and founder of Dream Breast Care Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Join me in conversation with Dr. Gore about her passion for women’s health, breast care, and her devotion the patients in her care. In this podcast episode, Dr. Gore offers a wealth of knowledge regarding breast health, breast cancer, breast cancer disparities, surgical disparities, and the importance of self-exams, mammograms, breast care before and after a breast cancer diagnosis. Let’s share this vital conversation far and wide.

Dr. Kimberly Nash Alexander is a speech language pathologist, minister, professor, pastor’s wife, mother, and spiritual director. Shawna Francis Watley is a senior policy professional and strategist, pastor’s wife and mother. Together they seek to empower women through The Women Investing in Leadership Development Group.  Join me in conversation with Dr. Kim and Lady Shawna as we continue the conversation about how to practice self-care while managing multiple passions, political elections, stressful careers, and life events.

Jannie Cotton, MS, LPC, Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas and member of the Democratic National Convention is also a motivational speaker, leadership, and policy consultant. As a colon cancer survivor, Jannie advocates for cancer survivors and mental health services for women and children in underserved communities. Join me and Jannie in a conversation about how to practice self-care during political elections, stressful careers, and life events.

Mocha Lee is one of the country’s top fitness professionals with over twenty-five years of experience.  She is the first African American to win the Ms. Galaxy title.  Mocha is also the first fitness host of “Heart & Soul”, Black Entertainment Television (BET)’s exclusive health, beauty and fitness show, which aired from 1998 – 2001. Jon me in conversation with Mocha Lee as she inspires us to maintain a consistent practices of fitness, health and wellness, amid hectic schedules and a fluctuating pace of life.

Talaya Clark, MD, practices medicine at Atrium Health Biddle Point Family Practice for 21 years caring for the underserved population in Charlotte. Dr. Clark strives for good health in own life by eating well balanced meals daily and exercising with a personal trainer for over 16 years. In April 2024, Dr. Clark earned 1st Place in her first Professional Figure Competition with SNBF (Supernatural Bodybuilding and Fitness). Tanya Henderson-Burke is an experienced IT professional, entrepreneur, and the owner of Caterpillar Consulting, LLC, a boutique consulting firm specializing in training, instructional design, quality assurance testing, and staff augmentation.  Tanya embarked on a bodybuilding journey and won two first-place titles in Bikini 45+ and Bikini Open in her debut show. Join us in a conversation about the bodybuilding journey they each embarked upon in their 50’s. Listen as they share their unique stories, challenges they overcame, life lessons learned, and bodybuilding for women 50 Plus.

Bishop Marshall “Tripp” Mabry, MAJIC, CTP, is a pastor, educator, graduate of Morehouse School of Medicine in Justice Involved Care. Bishop Mabry is the author of several books to include his most recent book, Mr. Tripp’s Classroom, I’m Not Weird, I have Autism. Join us in a candid discussion with Bishop Mabry about his willingness to confront inter-generational traumas that led to a successful weight loss journey. This conversation will inspire men of color to overcome personal, generational, and societal traumas and offer strategies for living healthier lifestyles.

Ricky Howell is the Media Director of New Covenant Christian Ministries (Lithonia, GA), whose passion for bodybuilding led him to become a promoter with the DFAC Georgia Natural Championships and former owner-operator of 9Round Fitness kickboxing fitness gym in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Join me and Bishop Johnathan Alvarado in an inspiring conversation with Ricky as he discusses the motivations behind his bodybuilding journey. Ricky shares valuable information regarding the physical, mental and emotional benefits fitness and active lifestyles for men.

Mia Hawkins serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Voices of Faith Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia and Owner of Mia Hawkins & Co, LLC, coaching rising entrepreneurs and teaching financial literacy courses for adults and children. Listen as Mia Hawkins discusses the financial strategies for wealth building, estate planning, and self-care practices that lead to financial wellness.

Brandi Gamble is the C.E.O. of MoneySMART, a Financial Education Platform that provides empowering concepts and strategies for her clients to make smarter money choices. Brandi is also the co-author of Design Your Wealth Mindset: Guidelines Principles and Strategies for R.E.A.L. Women. Listen as Brandi shares principles from "The Exit Strategy" that lead to financial freedom, security and wellness.

Senator Tonya P. Anderson and Representative Shelly Hutchinson proudly serves the citizens of Georgia and their respective districts in the Georgia State Legislature.  In addition to their political offices and committees, Senator Anderson is an ordained minister, a life coach, consultant, motivational speaker, mentor and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Representative Hutchinson is a wife, mother, social services, mental health professional, and eucharist minister in her local parish. Join us as we discuss the unique issues women in politics face as public servants while creating and maintaining harmonious lifestyles of self-care, health and wellness. 

Yolanda Alexander and Mona Roberts are wives, mothers, grandmothers, serial entrepreneurs, business and corporate executives. Yolanda is the Director of Finance at The Housing Authority of Dekalb County, GA and Mona is the Owner/Operator of Kid's R Kid's Childcare and author of the Next Right Move. Join us as we discuss how we began walking together during the pandemic that led to what we affectionately call the "Diva's on the Trail Walking Crew". Listen as we share candidly about how our friendship formed around our need for support with fitness and other areas of our lives. This conversation will encourage and inspire women to get out of their comfort zone to connect and develop fun, nurturing and supportive relationships with women who refresh the soul.